System and method for crowdsourced template based search

ABSTRACT

A system and method for searching information based on crowd-sourced templates comprising a user input subsystem for entering one or more search terms, a database for storing a plurality of crowd-sourced templates, wherein each template is a representation of a data collection process from a plurality of sources. Subsequent search entries with tags results in display of stored templates in descending order of rank. Templates may be ranked using crowd voting or their social relevancy. Templates may be viewed, edited, and stored on the database by other users through social network sites.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/030,347 filed on Feb. 18, 2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,620,948, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/305,595, filed on Feb. 18, 2010, entitled “System and Process for Searching Information”. The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to systems and processes for searching information based on crowd sourced templates

2. Discussion of Related Art

The Information Age has heralded in a phenomenon of information overload for users conducting searches on the World Wide Web. There are a number of search engines that have been developed to facility the user's search, such as Bing “The Decision Engine”, Google, and Yahoo.

There have also been a number of other inventions developed to facilitate information searches. For example, U.S. Patent Application 20060116994 entitled “System and Method for Interactive Multi-Dimensional Visual Representation of Information Content and Properties” discloses an information retrieval system allowing information sources to be combined with selected user workflows and analytical content, dimensional relationships, and integrated analysis to display an interactive visual representation.

There are also many platforms that offer information search algorithms in use and known in the art. These platforms usually rely on either automatic ranking of relevant links or manual preparation of link lists. The prior art does not disclose, though, the use of crowdsourced templates to enable the public to use the search process done by other users

The present invention provides the enhanced ability over the prior art for the user to efficiently tailor their information searches to their pre-selected preferences, thus saving time and energy. Their searches may then be shared and updated by a community of users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for searching information based on crowdsourced templates. Accordingly, the present invention comprises: (i) user input subsystem for entering one or more search terms; (ii) a database for storing a plurality of crowdsourced templates, wherein each template is a representation of a data collection process from a plurality of sources.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises the addition of tags generated manually or automatically affiliated with said retrieved template.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the sources comprise a plurality of network addresses.

According to some embodiments of the invention, hanging the information in at least one item stored within said database will change information in at least one other database item.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one template has a topic shown to a user.

In particular, the present invention provides a system and a method for a user to customize their information searches on the World Wide Web. The invention comprises a series of subsystems: 1) a subsystem for user input; 2) a subsystem for storing within a computer database files of preferred templates; and 3) a subsystem for retrieving a selected template from the database.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the subsystem of database storage of selected templates comprises a feature allowing the user to customize templates wherein the user: selects a template from the database; adds or changes the data source of the template; links fields in the template; manually or automatically adds tags to characterize the template; displays the mashup of the modified template to the user; and stores the modified template in the database.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the subsystem for conducting an information search comprises: the user inputting desired tags related to their search topic; the system retrieving a list of relevant templates from the database and displaying them in a specified order, such as descending order of relevancy, user preferred ranking, date, or a combination thereof; users selecting a template from the displayed list; user inputting desired search details into the template; the system conducts a mashup using link logic to change the information displayed in each of the information sources; and the system displays the results to the user.

In a further aspect of the present invention, the system and method may be utilized in a community computing environment wherein multiple users are permitted to view, share, rank, comment on, and modify template databases and search results.

These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention will now be described in the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention and with reference to the attached drawings, in which dimensions of components and features shown are chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Generally, only structures, elements or parts that are germane to the discussion are shown in the figures.

FIG. 1 is scheme of system modules in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of acts performed in adding or changing a template in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of acts performed in searching a template in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a scheme of a mashup in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of acts performed in adding or changing a social relevancy based template in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Provided herein is a detailed description of this invention. It is to be understood, however, that this invention may be embodied in various forms, and that the suggested (or proposed) embodiments are only possible implementations (or examples for a feasible embodiments, or materializations) of this invention. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be 5 interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis and/or principle for the claims, and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ this invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Prior to setting forth the detailed description, it may be helpful to set forth definitions of certain terms that will be used hereinafter

As used herein, the term “template” refers to a reusable definition of input and output fields and the logical relations between them. For example an input fields of car make and year and output field of car models and their photos where choosing a make and/or model changes the available modes and their images.

As used herein, the term “logical link” refers to logical relationship between fields. For example choosing a car year in the year field will initiate a SQL query in a car database and present in the model filed only models of that year.

As used herein, the term “DB” refers to a database.

As used herein, the term “URL” refers to an address of a file or content on a computer network such as the internet. For example, the URL for NetAlert is www.netalert.gov.au

As used herein, the term “mashup” refers to a web page or application that uses or combines data or functionality from two or many more external sources to create a new service. Mashups are templates.

As used herein, the term “crowdsourcing” refers to a task contributed by a large undefined large group of people through a public data network

As used herein, the term “mobile device” refers to a computing device that is using a cellular network.

As used herein, the term “social network” is a web-based service that provides ways for users to interact, such as file sharing, blogging, and discussion groups, to build communities of people who have common interest. An example of a social network are Facebook.com and Linkedin.com.

FIG. 1 is scheme of system modules in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. System 100 is comprised of the following subsystems: 102—user input subsystem that allows a user to input the information he desires to receive, some of the processes performed by this subsystem are described in steps 304, 308, and 310 of FIG. 3; 104—template database subsystem, this subsystem enables for storing, recording, and updating of search templates as further described in steps 202-210, and 214 of FIG. 2 (Alternatively templates can be recorded by recording the actions performed by a user in searching for information in a similar way to Excel's macro recorder.); and 106—template retrieval subsystem which allows for retrieving 306 relevant templates form said DB. In a non limiting example, the Template DB is crowdsourced.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of acts performed in adding or changing a template in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The user selects 202 a current template or selects to add a new template and then: adds or changes 204 its data sources. These sources are comprised of:

Search engines such as www.google.com

Online marketplace such as www.ebay.com

Video sites such www.youtube.com, www.hulu.com

News feeds such as www.twitter.com

Manufacturers' sites such as www.Toyota.com

Governmental or municipal sites such as www.uspto.gov

Later on the fields are linked 206 in said template, for example choosing a car model in one field will filter in only this model in the information they will present. Template tags can be added manually 208 to describe said template such as “car search”; and/or alternatively tags can be added automatically 210. For example a template with Toyota source can be automatically tagged as “cars”. As shown in FIG. 2, 212—a mashup combines the selected templates with the tags, and as further described in FIG. 4. The altered template 214—is stored in the template database. The order of steps 202-214 is optional and others orders of the steps can results the same or similar results.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of acts performed in searching a template in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. User inputs 302 the search results he is interested in for example “Toyota car”, the system retrieves 306 relevant templates from said template database, preferably in descending rank order such as descending order of relevancy, user ranking or date or a combination of them. The top relevant templates are shown and the user selects 308 the templates he likes. After selecting the desired template, user can input 310 the desired search results in said template for example select hybrids in a Toyota template. The system can then use the links created in step FIG. 2, 206 to change the information displayed in each of the sources (such as sources 402-412 of FIG. 4). The template results are then displayed in manner such as the one described in FIG. 4

FIG. 4 is a scheme of a mashup in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Mashup 400 is comprised of one or more search sources 402-412, each of the sources can be of one of the types described in step 204, FIG. 2. Sources can have a logical link that describes relationships or actions. For example links 420 is set to change the car model displayed in sources 412 in response to a change in the card model of link 402. Each of the links retrieves information from a different (or identical) URL and displays it in place defined for it in the mashup. Optionally, the mashup is created by using a template.

In a non-limiting example, the mashup presents a process for choosing a low polluting car model, a process for choosing a house to purchase, or a process for choosing a bank with the lowest interest rate.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of acts performed in adding or changing a social relevancy based template in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. User plans a ski vacation. The search for ski vacation will be based on combination of personal needs and constrains. User inputs 504 the desired results inputting combination of needs (such as tags) such as “ski” “mountain height”, “family activity” and “distance from airport”, “desired weather”, etc. The system will provide various templates 506, which will match the desired tags 504, and in addition will show detailed social information on the users who built the templates. This social information (Facebook alike information—picture, name, age, friends, habits, social group, previous ski vacations, etc.), may help the said user to find similarity and match with other users and their shared experience, reducing search time, based on social match 508 and others personal experience. The chosen template may change, for example by adding additional parameter and can be ranked by other users 510, or said user may even ask other users to join and share more information to this template. The final outcome 512 is saved and can be shared for future use by the user and others 514.

Optionally, the actions described on steps 504 to 514, FIG. 5 are done on a social network platform. In a non-limiting example templates created by one's friends are ranked higher in ones searches shown in step 306, FIG. 3.

Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, or “other embodiments”, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are not to be construed as limiting, and are for descriptive purposes only.

The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures, and examples.

It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting”, and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers; or groups thereof, and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques, and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

The descriptions, examples, methods, and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only.

Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

The present invention may be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for generating a search template, comprising: capturing a user input defining at least one search tag and provided by a user using a user input subsystem; selecting a search template from a template database subsystem and using a template retrieval subsystem according to said user input, said search template defining a plurality of search sources and a plurality of logical relations therebetween; acquiring search results by using said search template to search search source accessible via a network; presenting the search results to the user; making the search template available to users other than the user via the network; and using crowdsourcing to update the search template so that the users input parameters from the users other than the user are used to update the search template.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said acquiring comprises: generating at least one query that includes said at least one search tag; submitting said at least one query to at least one of said plurality of search sources to retrieve information; and submitting said retrieved information in at least one another of said plurality of search sources to create results.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one query comprises an SQL query.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein said crowdsourcing comprises updating said search template by adding a plurality of search tags to a plurality of input fields defining said at least one query.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein said crowdsourcing comprises allowing the user to view, edit, and store the search template.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising having the users rank contributors of information and data to improve the search template.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: allowing other users to access the search template; and receiving contributions of data to the search template from the other users.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said search template is a mashup.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of search sources are arranged in a plurality of input fields and a plurality of output fields which are connected by said plurality of logical relations.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of search sources are provided as a plurality of web links.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising presenting social information on the users who input parameters to the search template.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one search tag is at least one search word or search term.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein said selecting search template comprises matching said at least one search tag with a search template selected from a plurality of search templates.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said selecting search template comprises presenting each of said plurality of search templates with social information on at least one user contributed to the search template.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said selecting search template comprises presenting each of said plurality of search templates with a user provided ranking.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said plurality of search templates are presented in descending order according to said user provided ranking.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of logical relations combine outputs of two or many of said plurality of search sources as an input to another of said plurality of search sources.
 18. The method of claim 1, further comprises creating said search template by retrieving information from a plurality of different uniform resource locators (URLs) defining said plurality of search resources and displaying said information in place defined for it in said search template.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein said search template is indicative of a social relevancy between said user and said users.
 20. A system for facilitating retrieval of information through a public data network, comprising: a user input subsystem for entering by a user input defining at least one search tag; a template database subsystem which uses computer hardware for storing a plurality of search templates; a template retrieval subsystem based on a hardware computer and adapted to select a search template from said plurality of search templates in said template database subsystem according to said user input and to use the search template to acquire results from a plurality of search sources; and a unit which presents the results to a user providing the user input; wherein said database which makes the search template available in a cloud computing environment to users other than the user to allow using crowdsourcing to update the search template by collecting users input parameters to the search template from the users other than the user; wherein said search template defining said plurality of search sources and a plurality of logical relations therebetween and includes instructions to generate at least one query that includes said at least one search tag, instructions to submit said at least one query to at least one of said plurality of search sources to retrieve information, and instructions to submit said retrieved information in at least one another of said plurality of search sources to create results.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein said database comprises a plurality of search templates; further comprising a search subsystem for searching among said plurality of search templates using said at least one search tag and displaying relevant search templates from said plurality of search templates in descending order of relevancy. 